Residents urge LAFCO to reject South Airport Industrial Project in Sacramento

Concerns over air quality and the preservation of open spaces dominated the recent Sacramento LAFCo meeting, as residents voiced strong opposition to the proposed Airport South Industrial Project. Local homeowner Lori Stetson, a 24-year resident of North Natomas, urged officials to reject the project, emphasizing its inconsistency with established urban services boundaries designed to protect agricultural land and open spaces.

Stetson highlighted the importance of preserving natural habitats and recreational areas, stating, "I value visits to local farm stands, bird watching among the wetlands, and cycling on the levee roads." She called for a commitment to conservation, urging the commission to prioritize quality of life over unchecked development.

Echoing these sentiments, local activist Lorice Stetson, who has a background in agricultural land conservation, criticized the project as a betrayal of previous commitments to protect agricultural land. She pointed out that the land in question was previously designated for mitigation related to airport development, questioning the rationale behind reconsidering its use for industrial purposes.

Susan Wigley, another resident from Natomas, added to the chorus of dissent, warning that the project would be built alarmingly close to residential areas, potentially impacting hundreds of homes. She implored LAFCo members to vote against the project, reinforcing the community's desire for sustainable development practices.

The meeting underscored a growing tension between development needs and environmental preservation in Sacramento County, as residents rallied to protect their community's natural resources and quality of life. The outcome of this discussion could set a significant precedent for future development projects in the region.